A Comprehensive Guide to Tipping your Beauty Professional

When it comes to getting a service from a beauty professional, one question we get all the time from clients is, “how much should I tip?” 

At beautiLofts, our beauty pros are running their own businesses, which means they are responsible for all of their expenses like rent, supplies, and other business costs. Your tip will not only help them supplement their small business, but it’s also a way to show your gratitude for an exceptional service. It’s a win-win!

But how much should you tip? And what factors should you consider when deciding on a tip amount? From hair stylists to estheticians, we'll explore everything you need to know about tipping your beauty professional.

The Basics of Tipping

In general, it is customary to tip between 15-20% of the service cost for beauty treatments like hair cuts, hair color, facials, and manicures. However, the exact tip amount will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of the service, the overall experience, and the effort put in by your beauty professional.

It's important to remember that tipping is always appreciated, but not always necessary. The price you pay for the service is often set to include the cost of the materials used and the time and expertise of the beauty professional. However, if you were happy with the service and feel that the beauty professional went above and beyond, a tip is a great way to show your appreciation.

An important thing to also keep in mind is accounting for special offers. Sometimes beauty pros will offer discounts in order to attract new clients. Be sure to keep any discounts in mind while tipping, as it’s customary to tip on the original service amount. For example, your hair stylist charges $100 for a hair cut, but they offer $20 off for your first appointment. You should tip based on the original $100 price instead of the $80 price for new clients.

Factors to Consider

When deciding on a tip amount for a beauty professional who rents a salon Loft or salon suite, there are several factors to consider. These include:

1. Quality of the service: Was the service performed to your satisfaction? Did the beauty professional take the time to understand your needs and preferences? Was the service executed with skill and precision? All of these factors can influence the tip amount.

2. Overall experience: Did the beauty professional make you feel comfortable and welcome? Were they friendly and personable? Did they go out of their way to ensure your satisfaction? The overall experience can also impact the final tip.

3. Extra effort: Did the beauty professional go above and beyond to make your experience special? Did they offer any additional amenities or services, such as a beverage or a warm towel? If so, this may warrant a larger tip amount.

4. Length and complexity of the service: If you're getting a haircut or color, you'll likely be spending more time with your beauty professional than you would for a faster service, like a brow wax or a polish change. In this case, it may be appropriate to tip a little more to reflect the time and effort that went into the service.

5. Your budget: Of course, it's important to consider your own budget when deciding on a tip amount. While it's always appreciated to tip generously, it's also important to be mindful of your own financial situation.

Alternative Ways to Show Your Appreciation

While tipping is an important way to show your appreciation for a job well done, there are other ways to support your beauty pro. Here are a few ideas on how you can show them some extra love:

1. Leave a positive review: If you were particularly happy with the service, consider leaving a positive review on the beauty professional's website, social media pages, or review sites like Google or Yelp. Positive reviews can help other potential clients find the beauty professional and can also boost their business.

2. Refer friends and family: Word of mouth is one of the best ways to help an independent beauty professional. If you have friends or family members who are looking for a beauty service, consider recommending the person you visited. Your referral can help the beauty professional grow their client base and increase their profits.

3. Purchase retail products: Many beauty professionals also sell retail products, such as hair care or skin care products. Purchasing these products can not only help you maintain your beauty regimen, but it can also help support the beauty professional's business.

4. Be a loyal client: Building a long-term relationship with your beauty professional can be mutually beneficial. Being a loyal client means that you’ll consistently look and feel your best, while helping your pro to build a stable client base. In return, you might receive special discounts or promotions as a thank-you for your loyalty.

Final Thoughts

Tipping a hair stylist, esthetician, nail tech or other beauty professional is an important way to show your appreciation for their hard work. While the standard tip amount is generally 15-20%, there are several factors to consider when deciding on a tip amount, including the quality of the service, the overall experience, and the effort put in by the beauty professional. Additionally, there are alternative ways to support a beauty professional, such as leaving positive reviews, referring friends and family, purchasing retail products, and being a loyal client.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to be kind and courteous to your beauty pro. They work hard to make you look and feel your best, and your appreciation can make all the difference!

Let’s talk tips! What do you normally tip your beauty professionals? Leave your comments below.